It has been exactly a year and four months ago since the Philippines declared the first General Community Quarantine, also known as lockdown depending on the level of restrictions in an area. I packed my bags with only the essentials I needed from Metro Manila and went in a heartbeat to my home province – Negros Oriental. I have seen friends who have travelled locally every now and then between that period. And although, I am tempted to do the same, I didn’t do so and just went around to see more of my home province instead.
But due to some twists and turns of fate, I am in Cebu where
I was able to reconnect again with fellow Pinoy Travel Bloggers based here. I
am learning how to survive again in a big city alone and away from the comforts
of home during the pandemic. And what better way to do so than to eat, drink, or
sight-see in the vast mountain range which is a protected landscape of Cebu Province.
Hence, an abrupt trip to Cebu Transcentral Highway (TCH), more popularly known as Busay highland area, which I want to share
with people who are wanting to do the same:
Lakeview Le Jardin
We started off with an early breakfast at Lakeview Le Jardin located at Sitio Inaad, Barangay Tabunan, Cebu City. We were greeted with this rustic architecture which opens to the majestic view of the mountain with fog on a cold Saturday morning. They have numerous selections of soups, salads, starters, all-day breakfast, rice meals or entrees, sides, burgers and sandwiches, pizza, pasta, homemade ice cream, dessert, coffee/frappes/shakes/tea/chocolate beverages/soft drinks/juices/water and even Bauhinia Draft Beer. We opted for the following:
-Homemade Angus Corned Beef (Php 335) which is a slow-cooked Angus Brisket, simmered in herbs and spices. The meal is served with plain or garlic rice and your preferred style of eggs.
I love the vibe of the place which was perfect to have a relaxing or intimate conversation with friends who have not seen each other for a long time and reminiscing previous travels which felt like a lifetime ago.
They also have a Botanical Garden which showcases different flowers and plants. I especially loved the pattern of colors in the garden where it looks like a coliseum of plants. Entrance for the garden is at Php 50. They open daily from 8am to 7pm. For more information, contact them at +639177708094 or https://fb.com/lakeviewlejardincebu. See more photos of Lakeview Le Jardin here.
Charlie’s Cup
Another
option nearby is Charlie’s Cup which became popular during the onset of pandemic as
well and located right next to Lakeview Le Jardin. They offer different beverages
from milk tea, coffee, tea, and other hot beverages. They also have snacks like
cake and various desserts. They currently offer a buy 1 take 1 milk tea if you
got a vaccination card.
Hole in the Wall Burgers
Just a little over a month of soft opening is this hard to beat burger destination which maybe the newest yet along the Cebu Transcentral Highway or Busay. It is located a few minutes from the first two stops that we have been at Barangay Gaas, Balamban. The place is run by a family which evidently showcased with the well thought of recipe created by their son for their beef patties and sauces which are all made from scratch to ensure quality (meaning no extenders/preservatives) and fresh greens from the local nearby farms of the same area.
All of which at a very reasonable price of Php 169 for quarter-pounder Beef Burgers which can be upgraded to a value meal of Php 199 that comes with fries and drinks. You can also opt for a double patty for just an additional Php 80. They also offer Chicken Burger (Php 169), Chik Bites (Php 119), French Fries (Php 89), Fries Overload (Php 119, Wapops (Php 99) which is their unique creation of a combination of bite sized serving of waffle with bacon toppings.
Their vacation abode turned into a humble burger stop boasts an unobstructed view of landscape scenery which is all the same that is perfect for a quick stop or takeout. They open only on weekends from 8am to 7pm. For more information, contact them at +639399016885 or https://fb.com/holeinthewall.gaas.
Buwakan ni Alejandra
Not a food destination but just a
side-trip activity during the food crawl because who doesn’t love blooms? And
we needed something to do because it's been a whole day of pure food
consumption planned. Entrance are Php 50 for children and Php 75 for adults. See more photos of Buwakan ni Alejandra here.
Liel’s Kitchen
Located
at Barangay Malubog inside Serenity Farm and Resort is Liel’s Kitchen. They
offer Japanese cuisine and a scenery that is food for the soul as well. Went there
on a foggy afternoon which was perfect for some hot ramen. They have a cute hanging
hammock and lookout that is perfect to chill and lounge. They have an entrance
of Php 100 which is consumable. See more photos of Liel's Kitchen here.
The Grove by Serenity
Still
inside the same vicinity of Serenity Farm and Resort is The Grove by Serenity. Perfect
for end of the day night caps where one is serenaded by live local bands on
weekends. This can be quite romantic and relaxing especially with all the
bamboo groves that surround the restobar. They offer various Filipino cuisines, beers
and wine. One of the highlights at The Grove is their daily light show that is driven
together with the beat from their selected music video.
They
are open daily from Monday to Thursday at 2pm -10pm and Friday to Sunday at 11am to 11pm. For more information, contact
them at +639173043089 / +639177260028 or https://fb.com/thegrovebusay.
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